The National Register recognizes the historical, architectural, and cultural merits of properties. Properties listed in the National Register receive consideration when state or federal projects are planned and may qualify for federal, and state, historic preservation tax credits or, when available, grant assistance.

The National Register of Historic Places program was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is administered by the National Park Service. In Pennsylvania, the National Register program is managed by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO), which is a bureau within the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission.